“Pretty.”
“Solitude. It’s going to be peaceful and quiet. Just the two of us, a hot tub, some wine, and the falling snow.”
I sighed and leaned my head against the window. That sounded perfect. I had to stretch my arm a bit to keep hold of his hand, but I was fine with that. More than fine with that because I didn’t want to let go.
“What else?” I asked, feeling my eyes close. It had been a long day, a long winter. Hell, it had been a long year. Just knowing that I didn’t have to save anyone, protect anything, or bear the responsibilities of gods, supernaturals, and humans for a few days made me feel light. Like I was floating.
My head bumped something hard, and I woke up with a snort. “Whatsit?”
“Just the road,” Ryder said. “Didn’t mean to wake you.”
“No. It’s okay,” I said taking stock of my surroundings. Ryder had tossed the Pendleton blanket over my lap and one shoulder. The radio was low, playing a soft Pink Floyd song about earthbound misfits. The world around us was pure, bracing white.
“Snow,” I said, unnecessarily.
“Yep.”
“Wow. It’s really coming down.”
“We’re still on the leading edge of the storm.” He pointed at his cell. “It’s going to really hit and hunker down in about an hour.”
“How long until the cabin?”
“About an hour.” He slid me a grin.
“You do like to live an exciting life, Ryder Bailey.”
“I do. Now that you’re awake, would you pour us some coffee? Thermos is there at your feet, and snacks are in that bag.”
“Look at you, thinking of everything. Front seat picnic. I like it.” I refilled his travel mug and mine, then dug around until I found the chocolate and chips.
“So you like it so far?” Ryder asked. “Our vacation?”
I held up coffee in one hand and a candy bar in the other. “What’s not to like?”
“Okay, okay, good. I just really want you to like it.”
“I’ll really like it.”
“No matter how it turns out.”
“As long as it’s you and me and solitude and in the middle of nowhere, it’s gonna be perfect. Heaven.”
“Better than bungee jumping?”
I almost spit my coffee. “Anything’s better than bungee jumping. What were you thinking?”
“Got your attention, didn’t it?”
“Sure, but how is stepping off a cliff a good vacation activity?”
“If you stepped off a cliff, I’d be right behind you.”
“Aw, that’s sweet.”
He puffed out his chest looking proud of himself.
“And stupid.”
